Should I consider a telematics policy?

Telematics insurance will not be suitable for all drivers, but it's a growing area with the potential to offer benefits in terms of cost, security and improved habits to motorists of all ages. In our quotes process you can compare and choose between telematics options and traditional policies, with Defaqto star ratings to help - why not take a look?

How can we help you with telematics car insurance today?

Telematics car insurance - also known as black box insurance, GPS car insurance, smartbox insurance, pay-as-you-drive insurance and usage-based insurance - works either through a small black box device that's fitted to your car or a mobile phone app which can collect the following type of information:

Your premium will be calculated depending on the data gathered, with drivers who meet or exceed the agreed criteria benefiting and those who don't suffering.

Furthermore, the black box acts as a tracking device, so if your vehicle is lost or stolen, you (or the police) can find it sooner, and some policies will give you access to an online dashboard where you can review, and learn to improve, your driving.

Telematics has traditionally been seen as an attractive option for safe, young drivers looking for affordable premiums, but it has the potential to offer benefits to good drivers of any age, including experienced and older drivers.

Did you know...?

Black box insurance has been on the UK market since 2008

All new EU cars will have black box technology installed by 2015

Such policies offer an innovative solution to rising motoring costs, but remember that they won't be suitable or beneficial for all drivers.

There may be restrictions on use, not all insurers will monitor the same things, and the way they handle the data and allow access to it can also differ.

When you enter Gocompare.com's quotes process, after completing our easy-to-use forms you'll be presented with details of both telematics options and traditional car insurance policies.

You'll also have access to star ratings from independent financial researcher Defaqto, making it easy to compare price and policy details to see whether a telematics option suits your circumstances.

Read our guides for more in-depth information and guidance, and take a look at the frequently asked questions.

By 2024 telematics will be an opt-out rather than an opt-in

Note that the prevalence of telematics policies only seems set to grow in coming years, with suggestions that insurers may try to insist that new drivers take out such a policy.

"By 2024 telematics will be an opt-out rather than an opt-in," said Gocompare.com's Tom Lewis.

"People may opt out because they're bad drivers, they're unhappy with privacy arrangements or they have an old car, but they'll have to accept a higher premium for opting out."

By October 2015, EU regulations will mean that all new cars will have black box technology known as eCall, intended to help emergency services find crashed vehicles.